The effect of the conversion of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) forests to orchards on soil fertility and nutrient content in leaves

Abstract

Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is a valuable tree species of high ecological importance, which could constitute a key development of the mountainous economy. The method of ecosystem management causes significant changes in soil properties, which in turn could lead to changes in the availability of soil resources. In Greece, in 1979, the use of the right for exploitation of chestnut clusters, located in public forests was granted in exchange for a price, for the purpose of the grafting of the chestnut trees for nut production. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of land use change from old forest sites to chestnut cultivation for nut production on soil fertility and nutrition. The research was carried out in the area of Griva, a village located on Mount Paiko, in northern Greece. For the needs of the research, 10 sampling plots were installed. The results showed higher soil organic N and exchangeable Ca and K accumulation in the Castanea orchards, compared to the forest sites. The foliar P, K and Fe contents in the forest sites were higher compared to the orchards. In contrast, the foliar Ca concentrations were higher in the orchards, compared to the forest sites. After 40–45 years from land use change, the no-tillage management system of the Castanea orchards, with plant residues’ recycling and herbaceous vegetation cover and the use of the necessary fertilization, conserved the soil fertility adequate, strengthening the sustainable development of ecosystems.